This Split Pea Soup is a warming soup that can be on the dinner table in 30 minutes, thanks to your pressure cooker or Instant Pot. It has a rich split pea base with a wonderful smoked ham flavor running through it.
I have to admit that I got my Instant Pot about 4 months ago and hadn’t really experimented much with it. I used to cook all the time with a pressure cooker when I was younger so I thought this would be an easy peasy appliance to just pick up and use. And, once I started using it in earnest, I could definitely see why this is a favorite for everyone needing to get a delicious dinner on the table quickly. I’m a definite convert to all things Instant Pot!
This Instant Pot Split Pea Soup is the second recipe I’ve made with this incredible appliance, the first being a Sweet Potato Butternut Squash Soup this past fall. The recipe for this particular split pea soup was actually my Dad’s recipe, adapted slightly by my sister, which I then modified for the Instant Pot. What a time saver it was too! The standard recipe takes 4 hours while this amazing recipe takes just 30 minutes. That’s shaving off a whopping 3-1/2 hours from the total time to make it. Yep, delicious homemade soup in half an hour! Holy cow! 
And that first bite will have you begging for more! Amazing, a deliciously healthy dinner on the table in just half an hour. I can’t think of anything better to stave off the winter cold than a nice hot, rich soup. Garnish it with extra ham, bacon, croutons and serve with a side of crackers or a warm fresh loaf of bread.
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Instant Pot: Pressure Cooker Split Pea Soup
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
Hearty, flavorful split pea soup made easy in your Instant Pot. Perfect for a chilly evening!
Ingredients
- 1 lbs (454 g) split green peas rinsed
- 1 ham hock or ham bone
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) onions diced
- 0.5 cups (118 ml) carrots diced
- 1 cups (237 ml) celery diced
- 0.5 tsp thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1 cups (237 ml) Leftover ham diced
Instructions
- Add all ingredients except chopped ham to the Instant Pot. Pour in 7 cups of water.
- Close and lock the lid, and set the pressure cooker to high pressure.
- Cook for 15 minutes.
- Allow pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then release manually.
- Remove the ham bone and set aside to cool slightly. Remove and discard the bay leaf.
- Puree the soup using an immersion blender. If using a regular blender, process in small batches to avoid overheating.
- Remove the meat from the ham bone and shred it. Add the shredded ham to the soup. Add an additional cup of chopped ham, if desired.
- Taste and season with salt and pepper to taste.
Notes
- For a smoother soup, puree twice or strain through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Substitute chicken broth for water for a richer flavor, or vegetable broth for a vegetarian option.
- Leftover soup will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Soup
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 15
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 50
- Fiber: 10
- Protein: 20
- Cholesterol: 60
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of meat instead of smoked ham for the soup?
Yes, you can substitute the smoked ham with diced ham, turkey, or even sausage to add a different flavor profile.
What should I garnish the Split Pea Soup with?
You can garnish the soup with extra ham, crispy bacon, croutons, or fresh herbs for added texture and flavor.
How do I adjust the cooking time if I want to use dried split peas instead of the ones I already have?
If using dried split peas, ensure they are rinsed and soaked for a few hours, and the cooking time in the Instant Pot will remain the same at 30 minutes.
